Thread: XC or NR for power amps?

Originally Posted by thyname

I am using a Sigma NR v2 with my Integrated Amp, the T+A PA 3100 HV

PA 3100 HV Integrated amplifier

A friend told me I am doing this wrong, and should have gotten the XC instead, as the XC is more appropriate for high current power amplifiers. The key word here seems to be “high current”. I think my Integrated Amp qualifies as such

The Shunyata website, Sigma V2 NR page specifically states: Application: The Sigma v2 NR is an ideal power cable for source equipment like CD players, DACs, tuners, preamplifiers and it makes an excellent amplifier cable with its high-current conductors and exclusive noise reduction capabilities. The Sigma v2 XC is the ideal mate to the Sigma v2 NR to power your Shunyata Research power conditioner.

Am I doing this wrong? Should I try a Sigma XC ?

You're using the correct PC for your application. The Sigma XC is for (primarily) for power distributors/conditioners. For your amp, the recommended PC would be the Sigma NR v2 that you have.

There are rare exceptions where the XC would the recommended PC: specifically, I use Alpha XC with my First Sound preamp because it already has the same Shunyata NR technology built into the dual mono external power supplies, so using an NR PC in this application would not be required.

We have this discussion from time to time, but I would concur with Puma Cat that the Sigma NR is the first choice for your high-current integrated amp.

Sometimes we do have some equipment where it is preferred an unfiltered cord like the XC or in my case my digital preamp a Furutech DPS4.1/NFC. But sometimes we just have these anomalies that we just have to deal with to the best of our ability.